As many people know.  I am not just the Microsoft Practice Director at ConsultUSA, but I am an Associate Pastor at Family Fellowship Christian Center.  I've been serving in this position for about 8 years now.  I've been sitting under Pastor Rick Pulido for around 11 years. 

Well, things they are a changin', as they must from time to time.  Family Fellowship was not set up to be a singular entity from the start.  It was intended to be a training ground out of which many congregations would flow.  Well, the first of these church plants is scheduled to take place in 14 months in Miami, FL, with the second scheduled about 1-4 years after that point.  That second one, will be in Sarasot, FL and it will be pastored by none other than... me.

I'm not sure how this is going to effect my remaining time in Pittsburgh, but I know that I'm going to start dedicating myself to preperation for this next step in my life.  

I'm actually kind of torn in this.  I've been prepared for this step for years.  However, I've never wanted to be the senior pastor anywhere.  I've always been comfortable with my position as a #2.  I actually kind of relish that spot.

For those of you who think that being a pastor would be easy, let me inform you, it's not.  Your life becomes a fishbowl and you're not the only fish in the bowl, every member of your family is there with you.  Can you imagine being an 8 year old boy with the whole world watching your every move?  I can tell you, it's hard.  I will say this, if anyone who ever attends one of the churches that I Pastor and they ever say to one of my kids, "...but you're the Pastor's son..." followed by anything, I will read them the riot act and probably show them the door.  My first job is still to protect my family, and I will do it with prejudice.

Other than that, I am in the process of making plans on what type of church I'm looking to create.  What do I want the environment to be like?  What type of music do we want to bring to the people?  What will be the major message to people? At this point, everything is vague, but I have some ideas.  I guess that is what I have to determine in the next few years.

Well, until that time.  I'll see you soon enough Sarasota.